Medical bills are skyrocketing, costing the average household $2,976 last year. Here's how to reduce the pain.
*Use a retail clinic: if you have a serious but not life-threatening malady, such as a rash or a sore throat, consider heading to a medical clinic at a nearby pharmacy (like Walgreens or CVS) rather than your doctor, an urgent-care center or the emerg room. Staffed by nurse-practitioners or physicians assistants, they can treat minor conditions for less. Think $110 compared to $166 for a visit. Annual savings: $168
*Try planned parenthood: visit one of these clinics if you need a routine Pap test, a new birth-control script, or even a flu shot. Call your local office to find out what services it offers and its fees (which vary state-to-state but are often less than a private doctor's) Most locations accept insurance.
*Head to a dental school for routine care: most schools have ckinics staffed by second or third-yr students that offer cleanings for up to 50% off the going rate. Call Oral Health America (312-836-9900) to find location nearest you. Savings $102
*Join a network: no dental insurance? If you have a big family or teeth that needs lots of attention, or if you're over 50(which is when gum problems tend to occur) consider a discount dental plan. For $100 to $200 a year you'll get discounts of 10% to 60% on services and treatments. Visit dentalplans.com to find one.
*Hit the Web for eyewear: look at the sites like visiondirect.com and lens.com, for contact lenses; and zennioptical.com, where you can buy a pair of frames for as little as $8.
Four Vendors, Four Prices
*to find the best deal on a prescription drug, first determine which local store has the best price by visiting shopping.destinationrx.com Then compare your findings with online pharmacies. Results from 4 vendors
Celexa (20mg) At a local pharmacy $99; Costco.com $104; Drugstore.com $114 and finally Familymeds.com $136
Good luck and good shopping!
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